India–New Zealand Hold First Joint Working Group Meeting on Horticulture Cooperation

India and New Zealand convened the first meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on horticultural cooperation today, marking a significant step forward under the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed between the two countries on 12 March 2025.

TheJoint Working Group (JWG) meeting of India and New Zealand was co-chaired by Shri Priya Ranjan, Joint Secretary (Horticulture), DA&FWin person from Indian side and Mr. Steve Ainsworth, Divisional Manager, Bilateral Relations and Trade in virtual mode from New Zealand side wherein, the meeting brought together senior officials and technical experts from both sides to advance collaboration in the horticulture sector, with a strong focus on kiwifruit and pip fruit (apple and pear) development.

Shri Priya Ranjan, Joint Secretary (Horticulture), DA&FW mentioned that Kiwifruit was identified as a priority crop for India and deliberated on key focus areas under the Kiwifruit Action Plan including Establishment of Centres of Excellence (CoEs), Improved orchard management and productivity enhancement, Access to quality rootstock and planting materialStrengthening post-harvest management and supply chains. The meeting also deliberated on procedures for importing kiwi rootstock from New Zealand and organizing training programmes for Indian farmers and entrepreneurs in New Zealand.

Mr. Steve Ainsworth, Divisional Manager, Bilateral Relations and Trade reviewed the current status and challenges in kiwifruit, apple and pear production in India and asserted to built around collaborative research, capacity building and grower training, along with strengthening supply chains, quality standards, and market positioning to boost farmer incomes and productivity.

The meeting concluded with the finalization of timelines and an implementation roadmap for both Action Plans. In their closing remarks, senior officials from both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening horticultural ties. The JWG identified immediate next steps and proposed a schedule for follow-up meetings and reviews to ensure sustained momentum in India–New Zealand horticultural cooperation.